Senate Backs Plan for Border

Vote of 67-27, Including 15 Republicans, Shows Support for Full Immigration Bill

By

Kristina Peterson

Updated June 24, 2013 8:22 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON—The Senate on Monday backed a plan to toughen security along the U.S. border with Mexico, in a key test vote expected to help propel a sweeping overhaul of the nation's immigration laws to a broad victory in the chamber later this week.

The Senate voted 67-27 to advance the border-security plan, with 15 Republicans backing the measure and no Democrats opposing it. Monday's vote showed growing momentum for the comprehensive immigration bill, if not a precise gauge of support. Travel delays prevented six senators...